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Old Classic Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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Old Classic Fashioned Goulash is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni

2 pounds ground beef

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce

2 cans (14.5 ounces each) petite diced tomatoes

1½ tablespoons Italian seasoning

2 teaspoons salt

½ tablespoon black pepper

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 3 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion for 6–7 minutes until beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
  4. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Stir in cooked macaroni, coating it well with the sauce. Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted and combined.
  6. If skillet is not oven-safe, transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Let the goulash rest a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Vegetarian variation: Use plant-based meat or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini instead of beef.
  • For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • Try mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Undercook pasta by 3 minutes to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas can enhance nutrition and flavor.
  • This recipe can be adapted for slow cooker use.

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